The Philadelphia Eagles are a few hours away from facing the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. They are the only thing standing between the Kansas Chiefs and the first three-peat in the Super Bowl era. Philadelphia will face a stiff test tonight in New Orleans. The betting line reflects that. Philadelphia is a 1-point underdog and has been a slight underdog for the last two weeks.
Philadelphia must rely on its defense to get after Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. The Eagles offense must also find its footing against a Kansas City defense which is far stronger than when these teams faced off in Super Bowl LVIII. Will the Philadelphia Eagles be able to leave New Orleans with the Lombardi Trophy in tow?
What the Philadelphia Eagles Defense Must Do
Philadelphia will have to be led by their defense in Super Bowl LIX. They had the league’s best total defense during the regular season, and has forced turnovers at a tremendous rate during the playoffs. They have forced a whopping 10 turnovers during the postseason. The No. 1 defense in the Super Bowl has been very successful. The Philadelphia Eagles will hope to add to that trend of success later today.
Philadelphia’s defense will have to contend with a Chiefs offense coming off its best performance of the season against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game. Mahomes is one of the best postseason performers in league history. He will look to play well against one of the league’s best units. The Eagles must also find a way to corral Tight End Travis Kelce, something few teams have been able to do over the last six seasons in the playoffs.
What the Offense Must Accomplish
The Philadelphia Eagles offense will face a Chiefs defense which has been the strength of their team this season. Running Back Saquon Barkley had a historic regular reason and has arguably been even better in the postseason. He is on the precipice of history. He needs 169 yards to break the record for rushing yards in a single postseason. John Riggins set the record in 1982. Barkley making postseason history will be easier said than done as the Chiefs have been historically great against the run during their dynasty.
If Kansas City can stop Barkley the Super Bowl will rest on the right arm of Quarterback Jalen Hurts. He has struggled to pass the ball this season but must be at his best this evening. Luckily for Hurts, he will get to throw to arguably the best receiving duo in the league. Wide Receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith though will go up against a great cornerback tandem in Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Smith and Brown may need a big game as the Chiefs will try to limit Barkley’s effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the Super Bowl with a much better roster, but a decided disadvantage at head coach and quarterback. Mahomes and Andy Reid are in a different galaxy than Hurts and Nick Sirianni. Tonight’s game will test the bounds of how far a historic coach and quarterback combination can carry a team when facing a superior roster.
